FAQs
- a New Zealand citizen (by birth or citizenship ceremony); and
- enrolled as a Parliamentary elector (anywhere in New Zealand); and
- nominated by two electors whose names appear on the electoral roll within the respective area that a candidate is standing for. As such, candidates in Māori wards do not have to be of Māori descent.
What are Māori Wards?
Māori wards are the local government equivalent of the Māori parliamentary electorates. Electors on the Māori electoral roll will vote for and be represented by candidates contesting a Māori ward rather than candidates contesting a general ward. A councillor elected via a Māori ward represents the entire district in their decision making.
An announcement in February 2021 on Māori representation from the Hon Nanaia Mahuta, Minister for Local Government, gave councils the opportunity to revisit establishing Māori wards in time for the 2022 local body election.
On 19 May 2021, Horowhenua District Council took the opportunity to unanimously vote to introduce Māori wards for the 2022 elections.
What is Council’s position on retaining or disestablishing the Māori Ward?
Council hasn’t made a decision on whether to retain or disestablish the Māori Ward. They will make that decision on 4 September 2024. Officers are gathering information, including from this feedback, for Council to consider when they make their decision. Officers will not be making a recommendation for either option.
Who can stand for election in a Māori ward?
To be eligible to stand for election, a candidate must be:
Candidates cannot stand for general and Māori wards at the same time.
Who can vote for Māori ward candidates in an election?
Voters on the Māori electoral roll will vote for and be represented by candidates contesting a Māori ward rather than candidates contesting a general ward. Voters on the general electoral roll will continue to vote for candidates contesting general wards.
Everyone will vote for the Mayor, who is elected at large (across the whole district).
What happens if Council decides to keep the Māori Ward?
If Council decides to keep the Māori Ward for the next term (2025-2028), a binding poll will be held at the October 2025 local body elections, allowing voters to say whether the district should have Māori Wards.
The outcome of this poll will not affect the 2025 elections.
The results will take effect for the next two terms (2028 and 2031 elections).
What happens if Council decides not to have a Māori Ward?
If Council decides to disestablish the Horowhenua (Māori) Ward, it will need to conduct a shortened Representation Review to determine new electoral arrangements for the next term (2025-2028) before the October 2025 local body elections.
Do Māori Ward elected members only represent Māori?
No. All Elected Members, whether elected from a General or a Māori Ward, represent the entire community.
What does Te Tiriti o Waitangi require of Council in terms of Māori representation?
The principles of partnership, participation and protection underpin the relationship between Council and Māori under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Partnership involves working together with Iwi, hapū, whānau and Māori communities to develop strategies and structure for Māori involvement in decisionmaking.
Participation requires Māori to be involved at all levels of the local government sector, including decisionmaking, planning, development and delivery of services.
Protection involves Council working to ensure Māori involvement in decision-making processes, and safeguarding Māori cultural concepts, values and practices.
Local Government, including Horowhenua District Council, is legally obliged to provide an environment (through systems, structures, and services) that encourages and supports Māori to enter and participate in local governance processes.